Question

why can one \bad apple\ spoil a barrel? because nearby apples synchronize their ripening. because bacteria will move from one apple to another. because its hormones will spread to other apples.

Explanation:

A bad apple releases ethylene (a ripening hormone) that spreads, accelerating ripening/spoilage of others. The first option's "synchronize ripening" is inaccurate. Bacteria spread isn't the main reason. The third option about hormones (ethylene) spreading is correct.

Answer:

C. Because its hormones will spread to other apples. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C with A as the first, B as the second, C as the third. If original labels differ, adjust, but the correct reasoning is about hormone (ethylene) diffusion.)